After 13 years of dedicated service to Round Rock Independent School District, Board of Trustees President Diane Cox announced Thursday that she would not seek re-election in November, fulfilling a promise she made four years ago when elected to her fourth term of office.

“Serving this District has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Cox said. “I have dedicated the last 13 years to Round Rock ISD, and I can think of no greater cause than the education of our community’s children to dedicate my time. But I said in 2014 that this would be my final term, and I intend to honor that pledge.”

First elected in May 2005, Cox is currently the Board’s longest-serving member and has held several leadership positions, including serving as president for more than five of her 13 years on the Board.

“Diane is a natural leader with an incredible ability to see things from various perspectives and make difficult decisions with precision and foresight,” Superintendent Steve Flores, Ph.D., said. “And above all else, Diane is a true champion for students. Her absolute focus is that every child in Round Rock ISD schools, regardless of their circumstances, has access to a world-class education. Thanks in large part to her leadership, we are achieving that goal in our schools.”

Cox is not just a recognized leader in Round Rock ISD, but also around the state. She earned her Master Trustee designation from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) in 2007 and served as vice president of the Leadership TASB Alumni Board in 2010. She conducts seminars and provides training and mentoring for school board members across the state. She was also a member of TASB’s Legislative Advisory Council for Region 13 in 2011 and has served three years as president of the Central Texas School Board Association, an organization she helped establish.

Before being elected, Cox served on multiple PTA boards and Site Based Committees, the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation, as well as the Technology and Citizens Bond District level committees.

When reflecting on her time on the Board, Cox said she is most proud of her work focusing on high expectations and equity for every child, supporting innovation in the classrooms, and providing world-class facilities as the District grew from 36,000 students to nearly 50,000 during her tenure.

“Diane cares deeply for this community and its children,” Board Vice President Nikki Gonzales said. “She has poured her heart and soul into this District, and when we consider the incredible academic success of our students and the talented educators we attract to Round Rock ISD, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Diane Cox. Her impact will be felt for years to come.”

Cox came onto the Board at a time of growth and transition for the District. Her legacy will no doubt center on her passion to provide support and resources for students who need it most—those who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or face other challenges that can create barriers to academic success.

“Round Rock ISD is not only growing, but thriving, and that is thanks in large part to Diane Cox,” Flores said. “The A-rating Round Rock ISD just received from the Texas Education Agency is just one more indicator of the legacy she leaves behind. She leaves this District better than when she came to it, and, as Superintendent I am forever grateful.”